Come rain or shine, residents of Martins Run Senior Living Community and children from a nearby preschool will participate in a 'virtual race' walk to kick off the Fourth Annual Intergenerational 5K to Defeat Dementia. The event will take place on Friday, October 4, at 11 am, at the Media-based Martins Run, which hosts the resident-led fundraiser.

Accompanied by the Marine Corp Honor Guard and members of the Marple Township Police Department, residents of Martins Run along with preschoolers from the K'tonton School for Young Children in Broomall will enjoy a short stroll around the community's campus (or inside, in the case of rain). Afterwards, participants will enjoy hot cider, fruit and cookies.

"Anyone is welcome to join in the fun," said Amy Blum, Program Coordinator at Martins Run. "We also appreciate donations to our Defeat Dementia Fund, to help spread awareness about the disease and raise money for a much-needed dementia unit at the non-profit senior community. To date, the fundraiser has collected over $90,000 in donations.

As people live longer, some begin to experience memory loss and require the specialized services of dementia care. The facility that Martins Run is planning will incorporate the most current research findings to offer comfortable homelike living spaces for residents and caring support for their family members.

The main event of the Fourth Annual Intergenerational 5K to Defeat Dementia happens at Delaware County Community College on Sunday, October 27. The race kicks off at 9 am, with on-site registration starting at 7:45 am, and consists of a 5K Run, 1-Mile Fun Walk, and Kids' Races and Games. Food, music, raffle prizes, and cash awards will also be provided. Anyone, from kids to great-grandparents, may register. For those who are unable to attend the event, contributions and pledges to Martins Run can be made on behalf of a resident or participating runner.